Narrative theory - Todorov

The term "narratology" was first coined by Tzvetan Todorov. Todorov suggested that all conventional narrative plots contain five stages:
1. A state of equilibrium
2. The equilibrium is disturbed by some action
3. A recognition that there has been some disturbance.
4. An attempt to repair the damage
5. A reinstatement of the equilibrium

However, it is clear that not all film plots follow this pattern. Blockbuster movies in particular do not always open in a state of equilibrium. For example, "The Dark Knight" begins with the Joker immediately disturbing the equilibrium. A reinstatement of equilibrium at the end of the film is also not always present. For example, "The Italian job" (original) ends on a clever cliff hanger. Horror films commonly end on cliff hangers, for example "The Descent 2", so that the ending is left up to the viewer's imagination.

Todorov's theory can be demostrated through the use of a graph.

We can use Todorov's theory and apply it to teaser trailers. Teaser trailers are literally meant to "tease" the viewer and intrigue them see the full film. Therefore, the teaser has to be exciting through the use of quick editing and lots of action cuts of major scenes. Also only the essence of the film should be portrayed in the teaser, so that the majority of the narrative remains intact. Most, if not all trailers leave the narrative open to entice viewers to see how it ends,  and how/if the disturbance is resolved.

The graph is a mixture of high and low points to keep the viewer interested and to excite them about the up coming film.

Horror theory

Freudians
Freudians would argue that horror villians satisfy our "return of the repressed".

Feminists
Feminists argue that more often than not horror films are a portrayal of the battle between the sexes. With more recent films showing that battle to be won by women.

Friedrich Nietzsche
There is a dual recognition from the audience between both the villian and the heroic protagonist. Nietzschean notion explains that in the case of an increase in the feeling of power there is pleasurable and accounts for horror-pleasure in terms of such power feelings.

Syd Field's 3-Act plot structure research